Does my menstrual cycle change after having a child?
It is common for a menstruator's period to change after having a baby. Some people experience heavier or more painful periods, while others find that their periods become easier. In the months after giving birth, periods may be irregular, but may return to normal over time. There is no way to predict how giving birth will affect a person’s period, but those who breastfeed typically go longer without having a period. There is no such thing as a “standard” postpartum period, but it is common for the first few periods to be different from how they were before pregnancy.
There are many reasons why periods may change after childbirth, including:
- The uterus taking time to return to its normal size
- Shifting hormone levels
- Breastfeeding affects hormone levels
Some people notice that their periods are heavier after childbirth. Others find that the blood is a different color, that there are more clots than usual, or that cramps are more intense.
Check in with a doctor if you are experiencing any severe pain or ongoing irregularities.
